Personal Statement Guidelines
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
The purpose of this statement is to help determine if the EMU Gerontology Program is
the right fit for you and if you are the right fit for the Program. The statement will also
demonstrate your writing abilities. This is important as graduate faculty primarily
evaluate a student’s mastery of course material through written assignments, rather than
exams or tests.
On a separate piece of paper, please thoughtfully reflect on the following points. Two
pages (double spaced, 12 point font) in narrative form is recommended. The points below
may be incorporated into your discussion and do not need to be answered directly.
How did you become interested in gerontology, the study of aging?
What personal experiences have you had with older adults?
What professional experiences have you had with older adults?
Have you taken any college courses on aging? If yes, please describe.
What skills and understandings have you developed in working with and
communicating with older adults?
What are the subject areas in gerontology that you wish to learn more about?
What are your career plans in the field of gerontology?
Please send your Personal Statement to the Aging Studies Program Director via
email attachment to chhs_agingstudies@emich.edu